Ryanair eyes 2m passengers on Ukraine flights 'within six weeks' if war ends, says Michael O'Leary

Irish airline prepared for return to Ukraine and envisage '5m passengers within a year or two'

Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary said the airline is preparing for post-war passenger aviation in Ukraine. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA

Ryanair could have as many as 5m passengers per year in Ukraine within a year or two of reopening its skies, chief executive Michael O'Leary said on Tuesday, as the low-cost airline prepared for a return to the war-torn country.

With US President Donald Trump vowing to bring the war in Ukraine to an end soon, airlines including Ryanair and its low-cost competitor Wizz Air are getting in position to benefit from flights resuming.